GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly is set to deliver her inaugural budget address as finance minister next Friday, December 8, following the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
House Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin, in a statement earlier this week, said the official state opening of the 2023-2024 session of the House will commence at 10 am (local time)and will include Governor Jane Owen’s first Throne Speech, as well as the Premier’s budget presentation.
“This is a unique State Opening with a new Speaker, Governor, and Premier,” said the speaker.
“But it’s a mistake to think this is purely ceremonial. This is a vitally important meeting for all Caymanians and residents, as the country will be hearing about the government’s spending plans over the next two years and any policy developments that will no doubt impact the public.”
According to analysts, the budget could be even more controversial than usual as the government’s spending plans are expected to reach over one billion dollars as it finances a long list of projects in the last spending plan before the next election.
The State Opening typically leads the first regular meeting of a new session after proclaiming the start of the parliamentary year. It is an opportunity for the governor to address the nation on the critical priorities of the United Kingdom and the status of each arm of the governor’s constitutional responsibilities.
Following the throne speech, members usually debate the address given by the governor in a future sitting for the Premier to provide remarks on the budget and any new policies by the government and give those on the opposition side time to digest the government’s fiscal plan.
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